Burleigh Brewing Company (photo attached)
Fan of frothy? U.S. too. And it turns out we’re not alone, the drink that officially needs no introduction is having its own day of honor – and it’s long overdue if you ask us. Friday 4y This August we’ll be in for a cold spell to celebrate World Beer Day, and in honor of that we’ve put together a list of the best breweries the Gold Coast has to offer.
So “jump” into one this weekend. And next weekend. And the one after that…
Fortitude Brewing Company
Foam lovers, Fortitude Brewing Company sees you! This remote spot has 15 taps, each pouring something different from their range of Fortitude and Noisy Minor beers – all brewed on site! Visitors can make their way through a variety of made-to-order pizzas as they sample… or two, or… Enjoy the rugged outdoors and soft interiors, and on weekends, enjoy the tunes of virtuoso music.
Beer to sip: Fortitude Pacer – The perfect session beer.
Where: 165 long way, Eagle Heights
The good times continue at Laughing Lizard with over 150 different beers on tap! However, the best part is that none of them contain any nasty chemicals or preservatives (well, no residue… well, that’s our story and we’re sticking with it…), and there’s even a gluten-free option #CeliacsRejoice! Here you’ll find a microbrewery, a beer and spirits store, and the best party planners – a keg rental service!
Beer to Drink: You can’t go wrong with Skinny’s – light, low-carb, but full-flavored.
Where: 27 Sinclair Street, Arundel
Hound and stag
Who says the North Side isn’t the place for you? You’re sure to have a good ‘beer’ time at one of the newest breweries on the premises, the old barn-style joint is North GC’s largest taproom with 28 beer taps and an epic kitchen serving up modern Australian food daily.
Beer to sip: Struggling to choose the perfect pint from the huge range on offer? You can’t go wrong with the award-winning Red Baron for a refreshing and refreshing drink.
Where: 13 Wright Place, Arundel




A hidden gem in the beer scene here on the Gold Coast, we think SOPO Brewing Co is one of the best kept secrets in the suburbs. They’ve got house brews as well as monthly releases to keep their taste buds on their toes, with the microbrewery serving up a delicious range of craft beers, ales and ciders exclusive to the venue.
Beer to drink: When in SOPO one must drink SOPO IPA of course!
Where: 146 Scarborough Street, Southport
Maddock Brewing Company
The ultimate Belgian beer experience awaits you at Ashmore Madoc! Starting their own commercial brewery in a small garage, proud owners Jamie and Anneliese are a true local success story! Enjoy the complex flavors and richness of their beer skates at their free Thursday trivia nights, and have a few laughs at their live comedy night every Friday. Skuhl!
Beer to sip: Creamy and refreshing, the White IPA Celebration is the perfect start to the night – see you on Deck D.
Where: 286 Southport Nerang Road, Ashmore




Beer by the Seaside – You’d be hard pressed to find a better way to spend World Beer Day, right? Whether you’re a local or a tourist, BOB’s Beer is one of the best restaurants in Surfers for a delicious drink, with extremely luxurious setups with high ceilings and, most importantly, those sparkling copper pipes delivering expertly fermented amber nectar straight into our glasses.
Beer to drink: The Surfers XPA of course – a delicious, easy-drinking pale ale brewed entirely from local barley, and it’s perfect!
Where: 10/2 Elkhorn Street, Surfers paradise
Lucky Square
In case you didn’t put two and two together, this brewery brings to life the story of Australia’s first brewer, rogue con man James Squire (an “aha” moment). This fully-functioning, custom-designed microbrewery celebrates quality beers and modern pub brews, pumping out small, exclusive batches of brews, and is a convenient place to gather your crew for an arvo brew.
Beer to Drink: Check out the range of limited-edition microbrews that are rotating on tap. Our current favorite is equestrianism – because of course it’s not dead.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach




This pink and mint icon is just a short walk from hotspots Nobby’s and a hop, skip and a jump from Miami Marketta. Pull up a seat outside, sip on some unique and refreshing beverages, and be sure to snap some great shots of your social gatherings. Enjoy trivia on Thursday nights, enjoy live music on Sundays at Arvo’s, and find out why this wicked brewery is a must-visit!
Beer to sip: Lost Palms Hibiscus & Guava Sour – A tropical sour popsicle in a glass.
Where: 11 Oak Avenue, Miami
Brewing area
Miami’s Arts District took off with rapturous acclaim, and Precinct Brewing now enjoys a strong position as the A place to drink fresh beer, pull up a chair and forget about all the problems of life. They make things more bearable with the tastiest pizzas, stand-up comedy and some eye-catching limited releases like Big If True, their recent Hazy IPA – delicious!
BEER TO DRINK: Check out our weekly Friday releases for exclusive flavors!
Where: 17 Christine Street, Miami
If you like a social drink but don’t like the idea of a potential hangover, then Australia’s first non-alcoholic brewery – SOBAH – will be for you. Tucked away in Burleigh, the brewery and café will serve a range of full-flavoured brews, delivering the real craft beer flavor you know and love without the pain. We’ll have more inside information for you when the brewery opens on Monday, August 7.
Beer to sip: Pepperberry IPA or Davidson Plum GF Ale are regular guests, celebrating the best of indigenous Australian ingredients.
Where: Unit 1, 314 Burleigh Connection Road, Burleigh Heads
With gold medals for several days from the World Beer Championships, you know you’re ready for a good brew here! Known for its paddleboards, relaxed atmosphere, big smiles and very friendly service, it’s the perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday (or Friday/Saturday). There is also great live music to set the mood while quenching your thirst. Cheers!
Beer to sip: Burleigh Brewing Burleigh Bighead – No carbs, no thirst quenching flavor.
Where: 2 Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh Heads
Burley barrel
Made for and by locals in the heart of Burley, this relative debutant has already achieved cult status. Just a 10-minute walk from bustling James Street, you can enjoy crisp ales, amber caramel beers and, ladies, if you’re interested in sipping wine or a cocktail (ditto), you’ll be well looked after here. Also #smokehouse props, the flavors in their food are perfect for the “jug”.
Beer for sipping: The larger Session Hill Vives are our favorite if you want a medium-strength beer with a fuller flavour.
Where: 3-4/105 West Burley Road, Burley heads
The huge success of the original Black Hops in Burleigh prompted the creation of its spacious and upscale sister, Black Hops II in Biggera Waters. Both serve up to 16 beers on tap, and have popular food trucks on site to feed hungry punters. So, whether you’re in the North or the South, gather your friends, family and even your dog for some award-winning amber ale.
Beer to Sip: Black Hops Send It Session Ale – Light, fruity, and not too strong
Where: 15 Gardenia Grove, Burley Heads and 671 Pine Ridge Road, Biggera Waters
Aardvark and Arrow Brewery
This squash-based microbrewery may produce “small” batches, but their list of returning customers is anything but small! Consistently producing and supplying chemical- and preservative-free beer and ciders that exceed expectations, boutique beer here is where it’s at. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and the prices will blow you away (in a good way).
Beer to drink: For something fresh, choose GC Crisp – a refreshing, light-coloured, clear beer perfect for the brewery.
Where: 13 John Duncan Court, Varsity Lakes
Another award-winning hotel up the wazoo, the newly renovated Balter never disappoints. Its founders include some famous sporting legends, and it exudes both relaxation and calm. Whether on tap or can, there are a variety of styles that will tantalize your taste buds. Relax in the new beer garden and enjoy live tunes with your drink, along with good food trucks.
Beer to Drink: Balter XPA — Balter’s most award-winning beer can be had fresh off the production line.
Where: 14 Merchants Road, Currumbin
4 Coolangatta pine
Another of our favorite beachside spots, but this time located on Cooly Beach is 4 Pines Coolangatta. The relaxed atmosphere of the South Gold Coast makes this little brewpub a perfect place to stop in for a session. With six taps of the finest beers and killer door taps pumping out fresh flavors, plus a dedicated Doggos of 4 Pines Polaroid wall, it’s loved by locals for a reason.
Beer to Drink: Nothing says 4 Pines like Pacific Isle – fresh, fruity and floral, it’s impossible not to love.
Where: The Strand, 28/72 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Lyrics by Bianca Trathen and Jacqueline Bojanowski.